Kibuku, Uganda: Kibuku District leaders have announced tougher accountability measures, including the introduction of a biometric attendance system, following concerns over absenteeism, staffing shortages, corruption and poor service delivery raised during a district-wide engagement with civil servants.
The meeting, convened by Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Roseline Adongo Luhoni at Kibuku District headquarters, brought together heads of departments, sub-county chiefs, community development officers, health workers, education officials, head teachers, political leaders and other public servants.
Described by participants as the first engagement of its kind since the creation of Kibuku District, the meeting provided an opportunity for civil servants to raise concerns affecting service delivery while receiving guidance on government policies and public service management.
Addressing the gathering, Adongo expressed concern over absenteeism and poor time management among some public officers, warning that the district would soon introduce a biometric attendance system to strengthen accountability.
She noted that despite the official reporting time being 8:30 a.m., some government offices and sub-counties remain closed even by 10:00 a.m.
“Those found reporting late, absenting themselves from duty or failing to account for their time will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Adongo warned.
The CAO urged public servants to familiarize themselves with the Public Service Standing Orders and execute their responsibilities in line with established regulations.
She also cautioned officers against undertaking studies without authorization, noting that applications for study leave should be submitted at least four months before the commencement of a course.
“Service delivery must remain our first obligation. Career development is important, but it must be balanced with our responsibility to serve the public,” she said.
Adongo further warned head teachers against tolerating absentee or non-performing staff, saying school administrators could also be held accountable for failures in supervision.
Principal Human Resource Officer John Francis Onyaiti informed participants that Kibuku District currently has 1,757 civil servants and updated them on changes in government human resource management systems.
He explained that the Human Capital Management (HCM) system has replaced the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (IPPS), with recruitment, retirement applications, study leave requests and other services increasingly being handled electronically.
Onyaiti urged public servants to obtain and safeguard their HCM login credentials and ensure that their personal records are updated at the district registry.
He also cautioned workers against signing attendance registers on behalf of colleagues or delegating official duties to unauthorized persons.
Regarding financial management, Onyaiti encouraged civil servants to carefully read loan agreements before committing themselves, noting that loans are private arrangements between borrowers and financial institutions.
He also explained the new Public Service Pension Fund Scheme, under which employees contribute five percent of their monthly salary while government contributes an additional ten percent.
Assistant District Health Officer Anthony Opoloti used the meeting to update participants on public health concerns, particularly Ebola preparedness.
Opoloti urged civil servants and community leaders to remain vigilant, emphasizing that although Ebola exists in Uganda, there is no cause for panic if recommended health guidelines are followed.
“Ebola is present in Uganda, but people should not be overly worried. The important thing is to remain vigilant, observe the recommended safety measures and report suspected cases to health authorities,” he advised.
During the interactive session, participants highlighted several challenges affecting service delivery, including staffing shortages in schools.
Guloba Faizo, Deputy Head Teacher of Kyankonye Islamic Primary School, revealed that the school has more than 400 learners but only eight teachers on its establishment, with one retired and another on maternity leave, leaving only six active teachers.
Faizo questioned how quality education could effectively be delivered under such circumstances.
In response, Adongo acknowledged the staffing gaps and revealed that the district expects additional teachers to be recruited through an ongoing recruitment process.
“We cannot address gaps that have not been reported. Let concerns be communicated through the proper channels so that they can be handled,” she said.
Kibuku District Chairperson Haji Muhammad Nakeba announced that similar engagements would be institutionalized annually to strengthen communication between leaders and public servants.
While commending civil servants for their contribution to service delivery, Nakeba criticized growing cases of absenteeism and abandonment of duty.
“When people apply for jobs, they demonstrate commitment and willingness to serve. Unfortunately, some abandon duty after employment. This must stop,” he said.
The district chairperson revealed that district leaders will begin routine monitoring visits to government institutions next week and warned that officers found absent from duty without authorization would face disciplinary action.
Nakeba also condemned corruption in public service, directed the Human Resource Department to eliminate alleged bribery in payroll-related processes and called upon health workers to stop demanding money from mothers seeking maternity services at government health facilities.
“There will be no lobbying. No one will be promoted because they supported me politically. Promotions will be handled on merit,” he said.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner John Basalilwa commended district leaders for organizing the engagement and proposed annual patriotism training for technical staff.
The meeting concluded with renewed calls for professionalism, transparency, accountability and improved service delivery across Kibuku District, with leaders warning that disciplinary action would be taken against public servants who fail to meet expected standards.
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